In the epistle to the Hebrews, the author exhorts his readers and us to hold onto the faith -10-19-25-, to resist falling away -10-26-31-, and to not abandon the faith -10-32-39-. With a litany of Old Testament saints showing the way, and Jesus as the supreme example, we are exhorted to run the race to the finish line -11-1-12-3-. In chapter 12 we are called to endure the race with hardship as discipline designed by our heavenly Father for our good -12-4-11-. But trials can become discouraging, and a common reaction to suffering is to give up- so, we need others to cheer us on helping us to win. As we look around at those in our church who are suffering, we are charged to lift a drooping hand, strengthen weak knees, or smoothen out the path for the lame -12-12-13-. There are times in every Christian's life where they feel weak and weary, but God has placed all of us, His children, in a family - the church - with brothers and sisters who are heading in the same direction, with whom we pursue peace and holiness -12-14- until the end of the race. God's grace abounds in community.

Sin is sinful beyond measure and we are born into this sin, however, we find forgiveness of sins in Christ alone.

The Lord Disciplines who He Loves, therefore, the Lord's chastening though painful at times, it's always for our good.

Does the churches mission ever change-- Opposition Increases while the Church Advances.

The Gospel embraced by many and rejected by many in the synagogue of Antioch.